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Republican voters largely stay home as only 15% of county electorate participates; historic write-in effort makes minimal impact

Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin (D) secured a fifth term Tuesday with 61% of the vote, a victory powered by abysmal voter turnout and the county’s lopsided voter registration that heavily favors Democrats. Only 23,685 of Cumberland County’s 156,653 registered voters—just 15.12%—bothered to cast ballots in the municipal election.

The election results reveal a stark political reality: despite 28,193 registered Republicans in the county, Democratic voters (53,553) and unaffiliated voters (47,791) overwhelmingly determined the outcome. Colvin’s 10,213 votes demonstrate that a small fraction of the electorate can maintain the status quo when the opposition fails to mobilize.

The much-discussed write-in campaign by Freddie de la Cruz (R), while potentially historic in volume, failed to make a meaningful dent in the results against this backdrop of low engagement. The effort underscored conservative dissatisfaction with the options but ultimately highlighted the challenge of overcoming the county’s demographic realities through protest votes alone.

Colvin’s reversal of his retirement decision proved strategically sound, as voters opted for known leadership during a period of unprecedented turnover in key positions, including police chief, sheriff, and school superintendent. His victory speech emphasized collaboration with community partners, infrastructure, and housing—priorities unlikely to change during his fifth term.

The election confirms that local Republican voters face an uphill battle in municipal elections without significant turnout improvement. With all other incumbents winning their races and three council seats changing hands only because their occupants ran for mayor, Fayetteville’s political landscape remains firmly unchanged.

With 85% of registered voters sitting out this election, it’s clear that a small number of engaged citizens are making decisions for everyone. Local elections determine your taxes, safety, and quality of life. Register, stay informed, and make your voice count in every election. Follow ongoing coverage at ccnc.news.